· 7 min read
Sourcing Home Textiles from India: A Checklist for Importers
Importing home textiles from India for the first time? This checklist covers every step from specification to shipment.
India is one of the world’s major home textile suppliers, with a deep range in bedding, towels, rugs and handloom products. For an importer, a clear process makes the difference between a smooth first order and a stressful one. Use this checklist.
1. Write a clear specification
- Product, size and material (for example 100% cotton percale, 250 thread count)
- Colour and finish (white, custom colour, dobby border, logo embroidery)
- GSM for towels and fleece products
- Labels, packing and carton marks
- Quantity and target delivery date
2. Check the supplier
- Company registration (CIN for Indian companies)
- GSTIN
- IEC (Importer Exporter Code), required for exports from India
- Clear contact details and a physical address
3. Approve samples
Approve a sample for every product and keep one sealed sample as the reference for bulk production.
4. Agree commercial terms
- Price basis: FOB (you arrange freight) or CIF (supplier arranges freight to your port). Read FOB vs CIF and export documents.
- Payment terms
- Lead time and shipment date
5. Plan inspection
Inspect goods before shipment, either yourself or through a third-party inspection agency, against the approved sample and specification.
6. Confirm documents
Typical export documents include the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or airway bill. Your country may need others, such as a certificate of origin. Confirm the list with your customs broker before shipment.
7. Start small, then scale
A trial order lets you check quality, communication and delivery before you commit to container loads.
We export hotel linen and handloom home textiles from Panipat. Send your specification.
